The Kanchenjunga trek is a beautiful journey through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Here you can find more than 250 species of birds and endangered animals. It also takes you close to Mount Kanchenjunga which is the world’s third-highest mountain. It stands tall at 8,586 meters. It has high passes, alpine forests, and tough routes. Unlike the more popular Everest or Annapurna treks, the Kanchenjunga trek is less crowded. So, this might make it a peaceful experience for adventure seekers.
However, the Kanchenjunga trek is not an easy one. It is one of the moderately challenging treks. The trails are long and challenging. The weather is unpredictable, and the region is quite remote. Resources are also limited along the way. So, keeping an eye on the list of things you need to bring on the trek is important. So, you must know about the packing list for Kanchenjunga trek before starting your trek.
Essential Packing List for Kanchenjunga Trek
Although being a remote local trek, the packing list for Kanchenjunga trek is essentially the same as that for other Himalayan treks. You will have plenty of gear options to head out for this trek but it should be the right ones. To pinpoint the needed packing list items, we have prepared this guide with the help of our guides. So follow the checklist mentioned below to have a safe journey in this region.
Clothing: Layer Up for All Conditions
The layering concept is best while trekking to the Kanchenjunga region. The region is mild at lower elevations but quickly becomes cooler as you approach the mountainous region. We are certain that you will enjoy your adventure the most if you can change your clothing in line with the weather. You will maintain a constant body temperature and steer well clear of any uncomfortable circumstances if you follow this way while trekking. Further, you should pack clothing with much more warm materials than you would in other months if you want to go trekking in the winter months of December through February. Here are the lists of clothing items:
Headwear
- Sun Cap
- Head scarf/Bandana
- Sunglasses
- Neck gaiter
- Balaclava
- Fleece or woolen Hat
- Headlamp with extra batteries
Upper body
- Trekking shirts (1 half sleeve, 2 long sleeves)
- Sports bra for women
- 2 Thermal Tops
- Fleece jacket
- Waterproof wind cheater jacket
- Waterproof Down Jacket
Handwear
- Pair of Lightweight gloves(wool or fleece)
- Pair of Lightweight Poly liner gloves
Lower Body
- Light thermal bottoms (x1)
- Fleece or woolen trousers (x1)
- Lightweight waterproof pants (x1)
- Hiking trousers (x1)
- 3 Underwears
- Hiking shorts (x1)
Footwear
- 2 Thin Lightweight socks
- 2 Thick warm Hiking socks
- 1 pair of Trekking boots (ankle supportive & water resistant)
- Trainers or sandals
- Gaiters (x1) for winters
Important Documents and Permits: Don’t get stuck
Please keep your permits on you at all times when trekking. It will be checked at the conservation area checkpoints. Make sure you are traveling with your insurance paperwork as well. Further, Nepali cash would be used throughout the entire journey. So, we thus suggest that you exchange your money in Kathmandu before your trip.
- Valid Passport
- Insurance paper
- Visa
- Flight tickets
- Required Permits (Restricted Area Permit and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project permit)
- Passport size Photos
- Credit Cards/Cash
Sleeping Accessories: Sleep well
Sleeping high up in the mountains can be tough. It’s cold and can be windy. You may also be tired from a long day of hiking. Good sleep helps you recover for the next day’s adventure. That’s why having the right sleeping gear is super important. Here’s a list of essential sleeping accessories to include in your packing list for Kanchenjunga trek:
- Sleeping bag
- Travel pillow
- Eye mask and Earplugs
- Sleeping pad
- Sleeping bag liner
The teahouses will also provide modest sleeping accommodations with blankets and pillows. However, some of the trekkers may find them uncomfortable. And in addition, it might not be sufficient to fend off the cold for some people. So, for this trek, we advise that you include these sleeping accessories in your packing list for Kanchenjunga trek.
First Aid & Medicines: Be Prepared
As you are aware, this region is susceptible to high-altitude sickness. To protect yourself from the risks of it as well as from other conditions like diarrhea, headaches, and strains, it is important to include these items in the packing list for Kanchenjunga trek. Further, If you are going with a trekking company, the guides will have first aid kits with them. But, it would be better if you had your own supplies.
- Handiplasts (band-aids)
- Anti-headache Tablets
- Anti-diarrhoea Tablets
- Cold Medicines
- Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide
- Water purification tablets
- Skin-blister repair kit
- Paracetamol
- Ibuprofen
- Electrolyte powder
- Insect repellent
Essential Gears and Accessories: Stay Safe and Comfortable
To make sure you have a great experience, it’s important to pack the right gear and accessories. Here’s the list of essential gears and accessories to be included in the packing list for Kanchenjunga trek:
- Microspikes (For winter)
- Trekking backpack
- 1 large duffel bag
- small daypack/backpack
- Water bottles
- Oximeters
- Plastic bags
- Raincoat
- Ziplocs
- Garbage Bag
- Trekking poles(Optional)
- Hydration Bladder
Toiletries and hygiene items: Don’t Compromise on Wellness
Hygiene is most important in this trek since you will travel through the wild and rugged region. You have to maintain yourself and be fresh as possible. Here are some of the items to maintain yourself on this trek.
- Toothbrush/Toothpaste
- Toilet tissue
- Quick Drying Towel
- Hand- Sanitizer
- Soap & Shampoo
- Lipbalm
- Period Supplies for women
- Sunscreen
- Nail-clippers
- Wet-tissue
- Vaseline
- Face and body moisturizer
Miscellaneous (But Crucial!) Items
Here are some miscellaneous but crucial items to be included in packing list for Kanchenjunga trek:
- Binoculars
- Books and pens
- Solar Charger
- Comb
- Folding knife
- Trail maps or guidebooks
- Snacks (chocolate/ biscuits/nuts)
- Playing cards
- Power Bank
- Camera
Remember, this list is a starting point. You might need to add or take away things depending on your trip and what you’re used to. Also, check the weather forecast and adjust your packing list accordingly. Double-check your list, make sure you have everything you need, and get ready for an amazing adventure. Enjoy the journey and stay safe!